Potential problems in transferring technology from an idea to a product used by an organization occur in the areas of sponsorship, organization, and timing. Strategies for overcoming barriers include cultivating support, planning, education, cost-benefit analysis, understanding organizational structure, facilitating change, being sensitive to the…

Discusses design, technology, human, vendor, and cost factors to be considered in choosing a multimedia instruction system for widespread adoption. A checklist of criteria in these areas is included. (MES)

Compares two multimedia platforms, HyperCard and CD-I (Compact Disc-Interactive), in terms of their development and delivery capabilities and costs. Examples of products developed on each platform are described and sample screen displays are included. Future prospects for the two products are considered. (MES)

Describes the use of DVI (Digital Video Interactive) multimedia training systems at Bethlehem Steel. Benefits of multimedia-based training, employee acceptance, advantages of DVI technology, and a recent project using this technology are discussed. A list of seven suggested readings is included. (MES)

Intended to provide a basic understanding of virtual reality (VR) from an educational perspective, this article describes the debate between conceptual and technological orientations to VR; the conceptual orientation to VR; technological definitions of VR, artificial reality, and cyberspace; dimensions of VR; and VR's impact on education. (11…

Describes the basic components of a multimedia design curriculum, including conceptual coursework, technology-related coursework, final project options, and practical experience. (14 references) (MES)

Begins by discussing what interactive multimedia (IMM) is, why it is used, and how it should be evaluated. A pragmatic approach to evaluation is advocated, and a framework for formative evaluation is proposed, which focuses on formative experimentation. The educational goals of IMM technology and methods of formative experimentation are detailed.…

Describes two stages of potential development that could make multimedia the core of an information infrastructure for educational reform: (1) incorporating hypermedia to enable knowledge construction by learners; and (2) using visualization and virtual communities to create artificial worlds. (16 references) (MES)

This pilot project in distance education at the University of Minnesota used compressed video technology to link two campuses. Applications ranged from education and training sessions to policy planning meetings, and participants from a variety of fields were involved. Responses to a questionnaire administered to participants to assess the…

Discusses whether educators should write their own computer-assisted instructional software, and describes four basic categories of tools teachers can use to produce courseware: (1) traditional programing languages; (2) authoring languages, including hypertext authoring languages; (3) authoring systems; and (4) authoring aids. Each category is…

Discusses the definition of multimedia and describes various storage platforms currently in use as well as future possibilities. Highlights include interactive video; digital-based storage platforms; CD-ROM; digital video interactive (DVI); compact disc-interactive (CD-I); Commodore dynamic total vision (CDTV); CD-ROM extended architecture (CD-ROM…

Describes the design of a prototype of a computerized courseware production and presentation system that provides a user-friendly environment for the creation, maintenance, and presentation of courseware. Object-oriented material is discussed, types of operations that may act on the objects are explained, and interaction techniques are described.…

Discusses gender differences in the use of computers in education based on a review of the literature. Highlights include prior exposure to computers; access to home computers; influences from the socialization process, including sex stereotypes; and differences in learning processes, including innate perceptual differences. (19 references) (LRW)

Examines the values and purposes of homework and reviews pertinent literature on the topic. Instructional design theory is described and used as a theoretical base to suggest that homework can be a valid component of the learning process to stimulate recall, provide feedback, assess performance, and enhance retention and transfer. (36 references)…

Reports the results of two formative research studies conducted during the design process for a new, portable trackball-like computer input device for small children. The findings are discussed in terms of the design of appropriate interfaces for young children, and what can be learned from formative research on products in development. (25…